Healthy As A Mother

Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women, yet many spend years searching for answers before receiving a diagnosis. In this episode, Leah sits down with endometriosis and fertility dietitian Cindy Dabrowska to unpack the often-overlooked signs of endometriosis, its connection to infertility, painful periods, digestive issues, hormone imbalances, and chronic inflammation.

Together, they discuss why endometriosis is frequently missed, emerging diagnostic tools, the role of surgery, how pregnancy impacts symptoms, and the nutrition and lifestyle strategies that can help improve quality of life. Whether you've been diagnosed with endometriosis, suspect you may have it, or are navigating unexplained infertility, this conversation offers practical insights and hope.

00:00 Trailer & Introduction
01:52 Cindy's Endometriosis Journey
04:32 How Long Does It Take to Get Diagnosed?
05:32 Common & Unexpected Endometriosis Symptoms
07:39 Silent Endometriosis & Infertility
09:22 Subtle Signs Women Often Miss
11:45 Estrogen, Hormones & Endometriosis
16:42 How Endometriosis Is Diagnosed Today
20:35 Should You Start Treatment Before Diagnosis?
23:52 Birth Control, Surgery & Individualized Care
27:18 Can Diet & Lifestyle Reverse Endometriosis?
31:42 Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Endometriosis Symptoms
38:23 Is Endometriosis Similar to Cancer?
41:39 Cindy's 4-Part Endometriosis Healing Framework
44:06 Why Progesterone Matters
47:06 The Nervous System's Role in Endometriosis
49:26 Trauma, Stress & Chronic Pain
50:43 How to Work with Cindy
52:34 Final Thoughts

Resources From This Episode:
The Endo Thrive Masterclass - https://supportiveendord.ewebinar.com/webinar/the-endo-thrive-masterclass-23717
Cindy's website: https://www.endometriosisdietitian.ca/
Follow Cindy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endo.fertility.dietitian/
Subscribe to Cindy's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theendofertilityspace
Dr. Leah's Womanhood Wellness Membership: https://drleahgordon.com/join

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Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

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Planning a home birth or birth center birth? While most out-of-hospital births go as planned, hospital transfers are more common than many families realize. In this episode, we break down the most common reasons a transfer may happen before or during labor, including prolonged labor, maternal exhaustion, fetal positioning concerns, post-dates pregnancy, ruptured membranes, and more.

We also discuss the emotional side of transfer, why it is not a failure, how to prepare mentally and practically for the possibility of a hospital birth, and ways to stay empowered if your birth plan changes. Whether you're planning an out-of-hospital birth or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers valuable education, reassurance, and practical tools for navigating unexpected changes during birth.

00:00 Trailer & Introduction
02:21 Why Hospital Transfer Isn't Failure
05:46 Letting Go of Guilt & Self-Blame
11:49 Home Birth Transfer Statistics
15:11 Most Common Reasons for Transfer
16:54 Reasons You May Transfer Before Labor
19:36 Going Past Your Due Date
21:41 Fear of Hospital Births & COVID Experiences
24:20 Why You Should Prepare for Transfer
26:31 Low Fluid, Blood Pressure & Other Risks
28:23 Breech Babies & Other Pregnancy Complications
33:16 Reasons for Transfer During Labor
33:45 Water Breaking Without Labor
35:40 Stalled Labor & Baby Positioning
37:35 Maternal Exhaustion & Pain Relief Requests
41:56 Medical Complications During Labor
43:20 Fetal Concerns & Meconium
44:44 How to Mentally Handle a Transfer
46:46 What Happens When You Arrive at the Hospital
53:56 Practical Tips & Your Hospital Backup Plan
55:59 Processing Your Birth Experience Afterwards
58:13 Homeopathic Support for Fear & Shock
58:46 Healing, Perspective & Birth Trauma
59:39 Final Thoughts

Other Related Episodes:
#32: The Vital Importance of Baby's Position During Birth with Ann Gilligan - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2IMXN6PmYDZBUcm78G3QeX?si=yNNZH5-sQDG3OaKeRlXD6A
#40: The Wisdom in Waiting - https://open.spotify.com/episode/19MTWQjyEHl804m4UEcvT8?si=KuMgrblvSmy3HzQHKO9pGw
#136: How The Hospital System Manipulates Moms with Dr. Stuart Fischbein MD - https://youtu.be/iKj69MpgmD0?si=ADEsze8RNtRCKkqO
#168: Hospital Birth 101 Part 1 - https://youtu.be/8AohlC6Rc_E
#169: Hospital Birth 101 Part 2 - https://youtu.be/Zracs5-cytE

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Find more from Dr. Leah:
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Dr. Leah Gordon | Website
Womanhood Wellness | Website

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Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram
Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHMOTHER and save 10% at Ninni Co.
Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley
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Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Progesterone is one of the most important hormones for fertility, healthy ovulation, and sustaining early pregnancy, yet so many women are never taught how it actually works.

In this episode, Dr. Leah and Dr. Morgan sit down with fertility nutritionist Sophia Pavia to break down the truth about low progesterone, luteal phase defects, ovulation quality, and why so many women today are struggling with hormone imbalances, infertility, and pregnancy loss.

We unpack how progesterone is made, why ovulation is essential for healthy hormone balance, what “unopposed estrogen” really means, and the signs your luteal phase may need support. Sophia also explains why conventional medicine can be hesitant about progesterone supplementation, when it may be appropriate, and how nutrition, stress, blood sugar balance, and cycle tracking can help support stronger ovulation and healthier progesterone production naturally.

If you’re trying to conceive, navigating recurrent loss, or simply want to better understand your hormones, this episode is packed with practical education and empowering insight.

00:00 Intro + Sophia Returns To The Podcast
01:24 Why Low Progesterone Matters for Fertility
02:34 Why So Many Women Struggle with Progesterone Today
13:17 How PCOS, Endometriosis & Hypothalamic Amenorrhea Affect Progesterone
15:49 How Progesterone Is Actually Made in the Body
19:59 Estrogen vs Progesterone: What Balance Really Means
25:49 Can You Have a Weak Ovulation?
33:40 Egg Quality vs Progesterone: Which Comes First?
35:24 Why Doctors Often Hesitate to Prescribe Progesterone
41:59 When Progesterone Supplementation May Help
46:16 Signs Your Luteal Phase Needs Support
47:56 How to Support Progesterone Naturally
50:42 Where to Find Sophia + Final Encouragement

Resources From This Episode:
Sophia's Website - https://www.ttcnutritionist.com/
Follow Sophia on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ttc.nutritionist

Other Related Episodes:
Episode #31: The Power of Progesterone - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthy-as-a-mother/id1663942916?i=1000625679300
Episode #108: Surviving a Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy with Sophia Pavia - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthy-as-a-mother/id1663942916?i=1000703730128

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Find more from Dr. Leah:
Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram
Dr. Leah Gordon | Website
Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:
Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram
Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley
Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond
For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER
Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

What actually happens during a home birth?

In part two of this Home Birth 101 conversation, Dr. Morgan walks through what makes home birth safe, the role of midwives, what labor looks like at home, when transfers happen, newborn care, cost considerations, and how to prepare physically and mentally.

If you’ve ever wondered what home birth looks like behind the scenes, or what happens if things don’t go according to plan, this episode gives you the practical breakdown.

00:00 Trailer + Introduction
01:26 What Makes Home Birth Safe?
06:36 Different Types of Midwives Explained
11:56 Why Candidate Selection Matters
15:11 What Actually Happens During a Home Birth
20:56 Common Reasons for Hospital Transfer
26:11 Emergency vs Non-Emergency Transfers
29:06 Newborn Care After Home Birth
33:46 Finding the Right Midwife
39:36 Home Birth Cost & Insurance
45:41 Birth Prep & Classes
51:56 Managing Labor Pain at Home
57:46 Common Home Birth Fears
1:01:36 Final Thoughts: Is Home Birth Right for You?

Resources From This Episode:
Birthing from Within book
Bradley Method
Hypnobirthing
40 Blinks Eyemask
New Earth Mama Spotify Playlist

Other Related Episodes:
Birth Plan Episode
Birth Episode Playlist

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Find more from Dr. Leah:
Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram
Dr. Leah Gordon | Website
Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:
Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram
Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley
Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond
For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER
Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Thinking about a home birth but unsure whether it’s actually safe?

In part one of this Home Birth 101 series, Dr. Morgan breaks down the biggest myths around home birth, who is actually a good candidate, why some women choose home birth over hospital birth, and what the research says about safety outcomes for low-risk pregnancies.

We also unpack intervention rates, C-sections, epidurals, transfers, and why birth environment matters more than most people realize.

If you’ve been curious about home birth but overwhelmed by fear-based messaging, this episode is a must-listen.

00:00 Introduction + Trailer
02:39 Why We Needed a Home Birth Episode
09:05 What We’re Covering in This Series
09:54 Home Birth vs Birth Center vs Hospital Birth
13:19 Why Women Choose Home Birth
20:09 Who Is a Good Candidate for Home Birth?
23:05 The Mindset Required for Home Birth
26:32 COVID & The Shift Toward Home Birth
28:09 Is Home Birth Actually Safe?
36:47 What Research Says About Home Birth Outcomes
44:37 Part 1 Wrap-Up

Resources From This Episode:
Maternal Outcomes Study

Other Related Episodes:
Dr. Morgan's First Three Home Birth Stories
Dr. Morgan's 4th Birth Story
Dr. Leah's 1st Birth Story
Dr. Leah's 2nd Birth Story
Everything You Need to Know About Hospital Birth with Care Messer
How Breech Birth Exposes Hospital Dysfunction with Dr. Stuart Fischbein

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube
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Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok
Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:
Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram
Dr. Leah Gordon | Website
Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:
Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram
Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley
Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond
For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER
Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond